Child Development Associate (CDA)

Training Program

Program Overview

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early learning professionals as they work toward becoming highly-qualified teachers of young children.  The process to earning a CDA is a multi-step process involving continuing education, experience, and observation.

Once students successfully complete the Del Mar College Continuing Education CDA Program, students will have earned the required 120 training hours and completed the required portfolio.

Del Mar College offers both of the following Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials:

• Infant Toddler, children 0 to 36 months of age
• Preschool, children 3 to 5 years of age

Course specifics

Admissions Requirement

• Must be 18 years of age

CDA Credential Requirements

Del Mar College's CDA program is here to help prepare students earn a CDA credential. In addition to completing all the CDA classes offered by DMC, students must complete all items below before earning their CDA credential.

• Complete CDA portfolio.
• Complete 480 training hours within three (3) years at a child care facility.
• Submit application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program.

Testing information

Students who meet all the CDA credential requirements will submit their application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program. From there, the council of the organization will work with the student to set up a proctored test to ensure they meet the CDA requirements.

For more information regarding the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, please visit the CDA Council website.

For more information on scholarships for the CDA Credentialing Assessment Fee, please visit the CDA Council's scholarship page.

Classes are HYBRID & ONLY $57.00! Do the majority of your work online; in-person portion will be held at the Center of Economic Development, Room 118 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Check below for our class schedule. Register by copying the full & bold course code and click the button below!

Current Schedule

Plan safe learning environments

• Course Code: CDEC-1007-15252
• 02/10/2025 - 02/21/2025

Advancing Children's Development

• Course Code: CDEC-1051-15256
• 02/24/2025 - 03/07/2025

Supporting children's development

• Course Code: CDEC-1051-15253
• 03/17/2025 - 03/28/2025

Build relations with Families

• Course Code: CDEC-1091-15257
• 03/31/2025 - 04/11/2025

Managing Child Care Operations

• Course Code: CDEC-1010-15261
• 04/14/2025 - 04/25/2025

Commitment to Professionalism

• Course Code: CDEC-2000-15265
• 04/28/2025 - 05/09/2025

Observe & record Child Behavior

• Course Code: CDEC-1094-15269
• 05/12/2025 - 05/23/2025

UNDERSTAND CHILD LEARNING

• Course Code: CDEC-1008-15273
• 05/27/2025 - 06/06/2025

Register for Continuing Education courses here